See what local families and community members say they need for their children across the State
Family & Community Stories
Birth to Five Illinois has created a space for families and community members in every Illinois Region to share their experiences with local Early Childhood programs and services. Through stories about challenges and successes, we can identify the issues and work collectively to mend what is broken, while also celebrating what is working.
Reach Out & Get the Help You Need, Don’t Try to Fight this Battle Alone - By Breanna Puckett-Woods
I’m sharing my story to hopefully encourage someone that may be experiencing the same or similar situation to reach out and get help.
There is No Shame, Only Pain When You Don't Help Yourself - By Lakeisha Johnson Lowe
One day I advocated for myself at the doctor's office, and I started taking medications so that I could help control my emotions and take care of my children.
Good, Dependable, Affordable Child Care is Pretty Much Nonexistent – By Breanna Kobus
Knowing it would be next to impossible to find a sitter that could handle his condition and his colostomy bag, I kept him in the salon while I worked, which wasn’t always easy.
Our Early Intervention - By Alexis Leathers
They went above and beyond to make sure we were able to connect to community programs that would help our family financially.
We’re All in This Together - By Sonya Clark
The closest place that will provide ABA therapy is in St. Louis (two hours away).